Common Types of Wounds in Skin Cancer

woman consulting a doctor

Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells caused by excessive exposure to sun rays. If caught early, skin cancer is treatable. Typically, older people are more likely to suffer from skin cancer.

Here are the three main types of skin cancer and their wound care.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

It’s a slow-growing cancer that seldom spreads. A person with advanced basal cell carcinoma has had it for a long time, given the time it takes to spread.It’s hard to identify basal cell carcinoma. Therefore, a person must see a dermatologist for any wounds that are taking unusually long to heal despite treatment.

Here are the symptoms of basal cell carcinoma:

  • Non-healing sore
  • Brown
  • Pimple-like lesion
  • Moles
  • Shiny appearance
  • Patch of dry skin
  • Scar like wound

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

While squamous cell carcinoma is usually found on the skin, it can also appear on other organs like the lungs. Just like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, too, is slow-growing. However, it can spread if left untreated.

Squamous cell carcinoma is usually present on body parts that are easily exposed to the sunlight, like the head, neck, and face. Squamous cell carcinoma can also be caused by the human papilloma virus. Therefore, we may see them near the genitalia or mouth.

Here are the symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma:

  • Red patches on the skin
  • Ulceration
  • Discolored fingernail
  • Horn-like structure
  • Non-healing sore
  • Brown and hard texture

Wound Care for Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Squamous and basal cell carcinomas usually go through long-term care, and the products used for wound care are fluorouracil and imiquimod. Each of these medications has specific uses, and the doctor must administer them according to the label.

A doctor must monitor the lesions. If the lesions open and form wounds, they must be treated according to the situation of the wound bed.

Malignant Melanoma

Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous and feared type of skin cancer as it can spread to different body parts. It’s deadly and spreads aggressively. If you suspect malignant melanoma, you must consult your dermatologist right away.

If detected early and removed surgically, malignant melanoma is treatable. It appears as a mole or several moles. It can also appear as pigmented areas on your skin.

Wound Care for Malignant Melanoma

Malignant melanoma is primarily treated with surgery. It involve sexcision followed by wound care. However, patients with malignant melanoma aren’t seen in a typical wound care light.

Along with surgery, some people may also get radiation therapy. Patients may need to visit a wound care specialist if they get radiation dermatitis. It’s a mild form of dermatitis with symptoms like erythema and flaky skin. It’s best to use Aquaphor lotion with some hydrocortisone cream to help patients recover from radiation dermatitis.

Get Wound Care with Our Home Health Care Services

Wounds can be challenging to manage. That’s why the in-home caregiver service by Embassy Home Healthcare can help you with regular dressings and wound care. Our skilled and compassionate nurses can come to your home to ensure optimal healing.Get in touch with us.